Readers' Favorite Green Restaurants: Waterfront Kitchen

Waterfront Kitchen

Baltimore, Maryland (Fells Point)

Submitted by:  Erin Mitchell, bluegreen accupuncture 

and bodywork, Baltimore, Maryland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's about time there is a waterfront restaurant in Fells Point that is NOT a big old chain or a place that doesn't understand all things local and sustainable.  I cannot wait to visit Waterfront Kitchen!  Thank you, Erin, for suggesting this gorgeous, green, cool, cool, cool place!  I think I will celebrate my upcoming birthday (May 27th for anyone who cares) here!  I always want to be on the water for my birthday festivities.  

 

Erin writes, "...ridiculous food, amazing staff, even more amazing ambiance at the Frederick Douglas Maritime museum ... seed to table."

 

Yes, seed to table.  What does that mean?  They source ingredients as locally and seasonally as possible.  That's what this blog series is about. So they have amazing, fresh, locally sourced food. But can we talk about the view?  Did you see the photo?  Check out more.  This place is GOR-GEE-US!  I love great food, ambiance is incredibly important, too, and a spectacular view is icing on the cake.  And they've got sweeping views of Baltimore Harbor.  

 

But there's more!  Whenever possible, they use produce grown in gardens from Living Classroom's BUGS (Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students) program for inner city grade-school kids. The program teaches kids about gardening, good nutrition and more. A portion of the restaurant's profits support the program (yahoo!). Waterfront Kitchen also support Living Classrooms’ Project SERVE job training program and hires disadvantaged area residents and ex-offenders for jobs in their kitchen and dining room.  

 

Located at the western most tip of Thames Street in Historic Fells Point, Waterfront Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, happy hour Tuesday through Friday, and of course, they have Sunday brunch. 

 

I am SO hungry right now... Why oh WHY do I write these blogs at dinner time?

 

 

Readers' Favorite Green Restaurants: The Dogwood

The Dogwood Restaurant

Baltimore, Maryland

Submitted by:  Erin Mitchell, bluegreen accupuncture and bodywork, Baltimore, Maryland

Located in Baltimore's kitchy Hampden neighborhood which is home to other green businesses, The Dogwood is a restaurant I've known about for 6 years because whenever you ask somebody about a green restaurant in Baltimore, The Dogwood is always at, or near, the top of the list.  It was at the top of Erin's list of favorite green restaurants.  She says, "amazing food, amazing vibe, locally sourced, locally owned, staff are previously incarcerated or recovering addicts - amazing mission , amazing place".  Indeed.  

The amazing food is cooked with the seasons and features "...the finest local and natural ingredients, sourcing from sustainable, artisanal, and organic producers whenever possible."  In fact, their web site lists their local, artisanal and farmer partners, so you know where their food is coming from.  Let's just say it ain't mass produced, folks!  I LOVE restaurants that have relationships -- REAL RELATIONSHIPS -- with local farmers and The Dogwood is clearly one of those places.  

Now, about that social mission.  The Dogwood trains a small group of individuals who are working to transition to a better way of life and these folks serve as apprentices with real-word training in the culinary arts.  I love it.  Help out your fellow man (or woman).  How many places do this?  We are all one, we are all connected, so help out your fellow man.  The Dogwood gets it. 

When you dine here, you'll notice that the entrances and walls are adorned with colorful community art murals.  The images reflect themes of nurturing the spirit that drives the training program, the vibrant beauty of nature, and the beautiful seasonality of the dogwood tree.  Nice.  

They are open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday.  They have daily features and specials including Progressive Oyster Happy Hour Tuesdays through Fridays from 5 to 7.  Let the slurping begin...